How To Get That Weird Smell Out of Your Microwave

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Microwave maintenance is an important element of fire safety.

Smoke Removal From Your Microwave

You know how it goes: There was that one time you popped popcorn, got a little distracted, left it running a little too long... and now your microwave has that distinct burnt popcorn smell that loves to linger. It's time to give it a good deep clean. If you want to know how to get that smoke smell or any other weird smell out of your microwave, follow these three steps.

1. Interior

Start with the interior using the vinegar method: Essentially, you want to mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high until boiling, and then let it sit for a few minutes so that the steam can loosen up any grime inside. This will make it much easier to then wipe out the entire inside of the unit.

2. Exterior

You can also use a vinegar-and-water mixture to wipe down the door and exterior parts of the unit. Tackle the gaskets and little pieces along with the door as well. Use an old toothbrush to help you get into the nooks and crannies. Try to remove all food splatters that could be retaining that smoke smell.

3. Vent and Filters

Don't forget about the vent grill, where oil and buildup can stay trapped, keeping that smoke smell in with it. With some styles, you can remove the vent in order to better clean it. Use a degreaser to loosen stuck-on oil so that it wipes off easily. Check for filters as well. These can be soaked in hot, soapy water or, depending on manufacturer specifications, run through the dishwasher.

Maintaining your microwave won't just help it smell better; it is an important element of fire safety too. Tackling the weird smells is a whole lot easier than handling fire cleanup in Coal Mountain, GA for which you'd definitely want professional help. It's worth it to put in a little elbow grease now.